Puelles Gran Reserva 2015

This is a beautiful Gran Reserva Rioja, a blend of tempranillo (95%) and garnarcha, graciano, and mazuelo (combined 5%). It was matured 24 months in a 50-50 mix of American and French barrels. The fruit is complex and well structured, with dark fruit to the fore and highlights of spiciness. The fruit-acid balance is perfect, and the tannins are nicely integrated and just perceptible. This fine wine is drinking beautifully now and will easily hold to the late 2020s. Score – 95. (Rod Phillips, Feb. 2024)